Predicted Playing XI of South Africa in 1st Test against Bangladesh

South Africa will host Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series, starting November 15 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The Proteas will enter the contest with confidence after securing an impressive 2-1 Test series victory over Australia. They will now aim to continue their winning momentum and strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Temba Bavuma will continue to lead the home side, which has recalled Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza to strengthen its batting options. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has also returned to the squad after recovering from a groin injury. Meanwhile, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne and Gerald Coetzee have missed out on selection.

The Wanderers traditionally offers pace and bounce, which could encourage South Africa to field a strong seam-bowling combination. However, the hosts also have quality spin options in Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj.

Here is South Africa’s predicted XI for 1st Test:

1. Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram is expected to open the innings and provide South Africa with a solid start. The right-handed batter has considerable experience in Test cricket and possesses the ability to play both attacking and defensive strokes. His experience at the top of the order will be important against Bangladesh’s pace attack, which has improved considerably in recent years.

2. Ryan Rickelton (WK)

Ryan Rickelton is likely to partner Markram at the top of the order while also taking responsibility behind the stumps. The left-handed batter has established himself as an important member of South Africa’s Test setup. His ability to play long innings and score quickly when required makes him a valuable option. Rickelton will be keen to continue his impressive form from the Australia series.

3. Tony de Zorzi

Tony de Zorzi could return to the playing XI at No. 3 after recovering from a hamstring injury. The left-handed batter adds stability and another attacking option to the top order. His inclusion would provide South Africa with a natural top-order batter who can build partnerships and counter Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

4. Temba Bavuma (C)

Temba Bavuma will lead South Africa and occupy the crucial No. 4 position. The right-handed batter was outstanding against Australia, scoring a magnificent 179 in the second Test. His ability to handle pressure and build substantial innings makes him one of the most important players in the Proteas lineup. He will once again be expected to lead from the front.

5. Matthew Breetzke

Matthew Breetzke is likely to feature in the middle order and provide additional batting depth. The right-handed batter has demonstrated his ability to perform in different situations and will be keen to establish himself in the Test setup. His presence will allow South Africa to maintain stability even if they lose early wickets.

6. Wiaan Mulder

Wiaan Mulder is expected to feature as the batting all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides excellent balance to the playing XI. Mulder can occupy the crease and build partnerships while also bowling useful medium-pace spells. His contribution could become particularly important if the match develops into a closely fought contest.

7. Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen will be one of South Africa’s biggest weapons in the first Test. The tall left-arm fast bowler can extract considerable bounce from the Johannesburg surface and trouble batters with his angle and movement. His lower-order batting also makes him a valuable all-round option. Jansen will be expected to deliver important breakthroughs with the new ball.

8. Corbin Bosch

Corbin Bosch could retain his place as the pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to bowl disciplined lines and contribute useful runs makes him a valuable addition to the combination. Bosch will provide South Africa with another seam-bowling option and could play an important role in supporting Rabada and Jansen.

9. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa’s pace attack. The experienced fast bowler remains one of the most dangerous Test bowlers in international cricket. His ability to generate pace, movement and bounce makes him particularly threatening at the Wanderers. Rabada will be expected to take early wickets and put Bangladesh’s top order under pressure.

10. Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje could return to the playing XI after recovering from his groin injury. His express pace and aggressive bowling approach could make him a major threat on the Johannesburg surface. Nortje’s ability to trouble batters with short-pitched deliveries will add another dimension to South Africa’s bowling attack.

11. Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer could be preferred over Keshav Maharaj as the specialist spinner in the playing XI. Although the Wanderers traditionally favours fast bowlers, Harmer’s accuracy and experience could be useful during the middle sessions. His ability to extract turn and maintain pressure makes him a valuable option when the pitch begins to offer assistance to spin.

South Africa’s Predicted Playing XI for 1st Test vs Bangladesh

1. Aiden Markram
2. Ryan Rickelton (WK)
3. Tony de Zorzi
4. Temba Bavuma (C)
5. Matthew Breetzke
6. Wiaan Mulder
7. Marco Jansen
8. Corbin Bosch
9. Kagiso Rabada
10. Anrich Nortje
11. Simon Harmer